From my first year to graduation, here are the three backpacks I would feel confident using for carrying a laptop.

      Most individuals don’t take much time to choose a laptop bag for school. They typically opt for the least expensive one available and hope it lasts. However, just a few weeks into the semester, the laptop often has an unexplained dent, the strap seams begin to give way, the main zipper fails to close, and the side pocket has already stretched, failing to secure their water bottle.

      An item that you use daily deserves more consideration, but that doesn’t imply you have to spend a fortune on a durable backpack. The back-to-school season is when sturdy bags, designed to last until graduation, appear at reasonable prices. To help eliminate some of the uncertainty, I’ve selected three options at various price points that will meet your needs.

      **JanSport Big Student**

      For many students, a backpack needs to carry everything they require for the day while enduring the trek between classes. The JanSport Big Student accomplishes this effectively, priced at $62.

      With a 34-liter main compartment that accommodates a 15-inch laptop, textbooks, a lunch bag, and gym clothes—with space to spare—this bag features a mesh side pocket for a standard water bottle. Two main compartments help distribute the weight, preventing items from getting crushed. Additionally, a front utility pocket with an organizer and two smaller stash pockets keep smaller items in place—pens, chargers, IDs, and keys have dedicated spots rather than getting lost.

      The 600D recycled polyester material withstands years of everyday use, and the S-curve shoulder straps along with the padded back panel make it comfortable to carry heavier loads. Plus, JanSport backs this bag with a lifetime warranty, providing a solid safety net at this price point.

      The one area where JanSport cut back is the laptop sleeve; while it fits a 15-inch laptop, the padding is minimal. Investing in an inexpensive cushioned sleeve would provide better protection.

      The backpack comes in a variety of colors, and although it is priced at $62, it often drops to around $40 during back-to-school promotions. For students looking to spend under $50 and not think about it again, this is the ideal choice.

      **Herschel Heritage 24L**

      The Herschel Heritage 24L is perfect for students wanting a backpack they’ll still like to use after graduation. With its signature diamond patch, striped fabric liner, and sleek design, it looks just as stylish in a coffee shop or on a weekend trip as it does in a lecture hall.

      Herschel bags justify their price through genuine durability. I’ve had my Herschel Little America for over eight years, and it still shows no signs of wear, assuring me that the Heritage will endure similarly.

      At 24 liters, it has ample space for a 16-inch laptop, a few notebooks, and daily necessities, though cramming in a full semester’s worth of textbooks and gym clothes might be a stretch.

      The main compartment includes a padded floating sleeve to keep the laptop elevated, while organization features include an expandable side pocket for a water bottle, a side sleeve for quick-access items, and a zippered front pocket with an organizer and key clip. EVA-padded shoulder straps enhance comfort, and Herschel provides a limited lifetime warranty against defects.

      The Heritage retails for $90 but frequently gets discounted to around $50. Choose this bag if you want one that will outlast your student ID while still looking great.

      **Fjallraven Raven 28**

      The Fjallraven Raven 28 commands a higher price than the other two options for good reason. It’s constructed like an outdoor backpack rather than a typical school bag. Made from G-1000 Heavy Duty Eco fabric—a blend of recycled polyester and organic cotton—it is built to endure years of daily use and the occasional weekend hike without showing signs of wear. You can even apply Greenland Wax to enhance its water resistance, a feature not available with the other options.

      I’ve owned a second-hand Fjallraven Kanken for six years, and though it looks aged, there are no tears or holes, and the zippers continue to function properly. My three-year-old Kanken Hip Pack has proven equally durable. Fjallraven’s material quality is impressive, and there's no reason to doubt that the Raven 28 will hold up just as well.

      At 28 liters, the Raven strikes a balance in capacity, comfortably accommodating a full course load without becoming too bulky. The dedicated compartment for a 15-inch laptop is separate from the main space, protecting it from potential scratches or dents.

      The Raven excels in organization. A spacious main compartment with an internal zippered security pocket structures your load, while a zippered front pocket with mesh organizers sorts small items. A fleece-lined top pocket provides a soft space for sunglasses and phones, and two open side pockets hold water bottles.

      The Raven 28 is priced at $130 but often drops to around $90. If you seek similar quality without the higher cost